Motor-driven vehicles were seen as dangerous contraptions when they were first introduced at the turn of the century: noisy, smoky, dusty―and a threat to the safety of the horse-drawn carriages with which they shared the dirt road.

As the automobile became more common, laws were required to regulate the safety of the cars and drivers, at first to lessen the danger to nonmotorized vehicles and pedestrians.

Soon automobiles were everywhere, prompting the state of Utah to require drivers to meet certain training requirements and be licensed. To protect others on the road, the automobiles themselves were to be licensed as well to ensure they met safety standards (for example, cars needed good brakes, good lights, and a horn). Happily for the state, registration also became an efficient way to collect property taxes on these vehicles.

Today, Utah's government divides the regulation of motor vehicles into three divisions. The Utah State Tax Commission's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is in charge of vehicles, while the Driver License Division of the Department of Public Safety is in charge of drivers.

The Motor Vehicle Enforcement Division (MVED) of the Utah State Tax Commission, meanwhile, oversees commerce: the organized buying and selling of vehicles. The three departments make sure the roads are safe for Utah's 1.8 million drivers and those who visit the Beehive State.

Top Division of Motor Vehicles

If it has to do with the vehicle itself, the DMV covers it. This division titles and registers automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, RVs, boats, off-road vehicles, and trailers―and collects property taxes on these vehicles.

The DMV also issues license plates and placards and makes sure that vehicles satisfy certain safety and emissions requirements. Some other areas of responsibility for the DMV:

• Impounded vehicles

• Motor carriers

• Rebuilt and kit vehicles

• Motor vehicle forms

• Buying and selling vehicles

Top Driver License Division

While the DMV makes sure the vehicles are safe, the Driver License Division makes sure the drivers are trained and licensed to operate vehicles safely (note that this division is part of the Department of Public Safety). The Driver License Division is also the resource for:

• Commercial drivers

• DUI

• Medical standards

• Handbooks

• Violation codes

• Defensive driving courses

• Driving privilege card

The Driver License Division interfaces with the Utah Donor Registry and the State Elections Office to make it easy for drivers to register to donate tissue and organs or to vote.

Top Motor Vehicle Enforcement Division

The MVED works toward consumer safety and fairness by training, licensing, and regulating motor vehicle dealers, auto body shops, transporters, and dismantlers and crushers. This division also investigates and prosecutes fraud in these industries in order to protect the consumer.

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